Description
Vitamin B12 and Folate both play key roles in DNA synthesis and generating red blood cells. This test is used to measure vitamin B12 and folic acid levels in the body.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate Panel, Serum - Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, patients with diets that do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary Vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid. Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital biochemical disorders.
Folate, also known as folic acid and vitamin B is one of the 8 B vitamins. Folic acid helps convert carbohydrates from food into energy via glucose. Also vitamin B9 is important for cell health, red blood cell function and nerve function. Folic acid also helps metabolize the amino acid homocysteine.
Folic Acid are primarily ordered to help diagnose the cause of macrocytic anemia. Folate, B12, and a variety of other tests may be ordered to help evaluate the general health and nutritional status of a patient with signs of significant malnutrition. This may include people with alcoholism and those with conditions associated with malabsorption such as celiac disease, Crohns disease, and cystic fibrocys. B12 and folate may also be ordered to help diagnose the cause of mental or behavioral changes, especially in the elderly.
The folate blood test measures the serum folate level via an immunoassay methodology.
Folic acid deficiencies can occur in the formation of celiac disease, excessive alcohol consumption inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pregnancy . Folate deficiencies can contribute to anemia, risk of heart disease and stroke, and mood disorders.
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is one of the eight B vitamins. It is also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, vitamin B12 have an extensive range of functions in the body. Vitamin B12 is essential for cell health and red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiencies are thought to exhibit in a variety of symptoms. vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also cause fatigue, weight gain and suboptimal nerve function.
